Trump Backs Arresting California Governor Newsom
In an unprecedented escalation of federal-state tensions, President Donald Trump publicly endorsed the arrest of California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday amid ongoing immigration enforcement conflicts in Los Angeles. The extraordinary statement came as Trump defended his decision to deploy 2,000 National Guard troops to address anti-ICE protests that have gripped the city since the weekend.
Trump’s endorsement of potential gubernatorial arrest represents a dramatic break from traditional executive branch protocols and has ignited a constitutional crisis between federal and state authorities. Legal experts quickly dismissed the feasibility of such action, calling it political theater rather than legitimate law enforcement strategy.
Photo Source: MoneyReign
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Border Czar Issues Arrest Threats
The controversy began when Trump’s border czar Tom Homan threatened to arrest anyone obstructing federal immigration enforcement, specifically mentioning Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. During a weekend NBC News interview, Homan stated that crossing the line on immigration enforcement constitutes a felony, according to NBC News. However, Homan later clarified there had been “no discussion” about actually arresting Newsom.
When Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy asked Trump about Homan’s comments on Monday, the president responded: “I would do it if I were Tom. I think it would be a great thing.” Trump characterized Newsom as “grossly incompetent” while acknowledging he considers the governor “a nice guy” personally. The remarks came as Trump returned to the White House from Camp David.
Constitutional Crisis Over National Guard Deployment
The arrest threats emerged from disputes over Trump’s weekend decision to deploy National Guard troops to Los Angeles without state approval. Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed suit against the Trump administration, claiming it unlawfully “trampled over” California’s sovereignty by federalizing the California National Guard without proper authorization, according to ABC News.
California’s governor called the military deployment “purposefully inflammatory” and a “manufactured crisis,” arguing that local law enforcement was adequately equipped to handle the protests. Newsom defiantly responded to Homan’s threats by saying “Tom, arrest me. Let’s go” during an exclusive MSNBC interview, challenging the federal government to follow through on its rhetoric.
Los Angeles Protests Trigger Federal Response
The confrontation stems from widespread protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that began over the weekend in Los Angeles. Demonstrators clashed with federal agents, with some incidents involving vehicles being set on fire and protesters surrounding law enforcement personnel. The protests represent the largest anti-immigration enforcement demonstrations since Trump’s return to office.
Homan warned that ICE operations would continue “every day” in Los Angeles regardless of local opposition. He dismissed criticism from California officials, telling NBC News: “I don’t care if they like it or not.” The border czar specifically targeted Newsom’s sanctuary state policies, calling the governor “an embarrassment to his state” and blaming California’s laws for releasing criminals back to the streets.
Photo Source: MoneyReign
Legal Experts Dismiss Arrest Feasibility
Constitutional law experts quickly weighed in on the arrest threats, with most dismissing them as legally unfounded political rhetoric. While federal authorities can investigate potential obstruction of justice charges, arresting a sitting governor without clear evidence of criminal activity would face numerous legal hurdles and likely constitutional challenges.
When pressed by ABC News correspondent Karen Travers about what crime Newsom had committed that would warrant arrest, Trump responded: “I think his primary crime is running for governor because he’s done such a bad job.” Reuters reported that the comment appeared to acknowledge the political rather than legal nature of the dispute.
Escalating Federal-State Tensions
The exchange represents the most serious federal-state confrontation since Trump’s return to office, highlighting deep divisions over immigration policy enforcement. Newsom accused Trump of creating a “dictatorial” approach to governance, while the president characterized the California governor as unable to maintain law and order.
Additional federal reinforcements continue arriving in Los Angeles, with 700 Marines expected to deploy alongside the National Guard troops. The military buildup has drawn criticism from civil liberties groups who argue it represents federal overreach in local law enforcement matters. Newsom’s promised lawsuit against the National Guard deployment could set important precedents for future federal-state conflicts over immigration enforcement and military deployment authority.
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